Wisconsin Football Lands Surprise Recruit on National Signing Day

Rob Booker II, the standout tight end from Waunakee, became the focal point of a significant decision for the Wisconsin football program during National Signing Day for the 2024 recruiting class.

It wasn’t a straightforward journey for Booker, who initially committed to the Wisconsin Badgers before abruptly opting to jump ship in favor of UCLA, only to make an unexpected turn back to his hometown team.

In front of friends and family at Waunakee High School, Booker announced his re-commitment to the Badgers and head coach Luke Fickell on Wednesday afternoon.

𝘊𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬𝘴 🎵

Welcome to the Badger family, @robertbookerr!#OnWisconsin x #Forever24ward pic.twitter.com/4GviunE1kk

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 20, 2023

According to the industry-generated composite rankings, Booker is the No. 598 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, the No. 33 TE in the country, and the No. 6 player in Wisconsin.

The three-star in-state tight end chose UW over scholarship offers from UCLA, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan State, Minnesota, Pitt, Purdue, and Syracuse, among others.

Wisconsin Football Program Re-Flips Rob Booker From UCLA 

Wisconsin football entering these back-and-forth battles on the recruiting trail has taken years off my life, but alas, Badgers fans get a happy ending with one of its prized in-state talents staying close to home.

This flip to pull Rob Booker away from Westwood had plenty of moving components going on behind the scenes, so a cap tip goes to Luke Fickell and his coaching staff for finding a way to seal the deal.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Booker hauled in 27 receptions for 360 yards and six touchdowns in his junior season. His performance earned him the large school All-State recognition from the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association. He would receive All-State honors again during his senior season for the Warriors.

Booker’s mix of his towering, lanky frame combined with impressive speed for his size made him a priority target for the Wisconsin Badgers. He also has exceptional body control and an impressive catch radius, making him a high-upside talent worth developing for the future.

In the end, Booker returned to the Wisconsin football program on National Signing Day after a brief detour to UCLA during his recruitment.

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